Indicator for contents of boxes.



Patented Oct. I4, I902.

, E. KL ZARlNfi. INDICATOR FOR CONTENTS OF BOXES.

(Application filed Feb. 10, 1902.)

(No Model.)

WITNESSES T INVENTOR.

TTORNE Y uonms PEICRS co.. murou'ma. wasnmurou u c UNIED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD K. ZARING, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-IIALF TO \VILLIAM O. ZARING, OE INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

INDICATOR FOR CONTENTS OF BOXES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 71 1,240, dated October 14, 1902.

Application filed February 10, 1902. Serial No. 93,416. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDWARD K. ZARING, of Indianapolis, county of Marion, and State of Indiana, have invented a certain new and use- 5 ful Indicator for the Contents of Boxes; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which like figures refer to like parts.

I The object of the invention is'to provide a simple and convenient means for indicating the contents of a box. A hat-box is herein shown, and it is desirable often to have means on the box for indicating the sizes of the hats I therein and that such means be changeable as the contents of the box changes.

The invention broadly consists of a 'row of numerals or other indicators, a number of covers, each adapted to cover or obscure one indicating-numeral, and means for mounting these covers so that they can be moved over such numerals as desired.

The nature of the invention will be under stood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective of a hat-box, showing the indicator. Fig. 2 is the indicator by itself in elevation. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-section of the indicator.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the strip containing numerals. Fig. 5 is the reverse side of Fig.

4, showing the gummed ends. Fig. 6 shows a modified form, being the elevation of a part of a hat-box with the indicator thereon. Fig. 7 is a vertical section through Fig. 6.

In detail, 10 is a hat-box, and 11 is a strip gummed at each end, so the ends may be secured to the hat-box, leaving the remaining portion of the strip separated from the hatbox. The strip 11 has on its outer face a row of numerals indicating sizes of hats that may be placed in the box. A number of covers 12 are slidably mounted on the strip ll, each cover being wide enough to obscure one numoral. Ordinarily the strip 11 and covers 12 are made of paper material, the covers 12 loosely surrounding the strip 11, as shown in Fig. 3. With this arrangement the covers 12 may be slipped laterally to cover such numerals as indicate the sizes of hats not in the box and to disclose such numerals on the strip 11 as will indicate the sizes of the hats in the box. If a new size be placed in the box or an old size be removed therefrom or sold out, the covers may be readily adjusted to indicate exactly what is in the box.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a modified form. There the row of numerals is placed directly on the box or on a sheet of paper secured to the box, and a pair of wires 13 are secured at each end to the hat-box and extend horizontally parallel one above and one below the row of unmerals. The covers 14 are then made, preferably, in the form shown in Fig. 7, with two curved ends to fit over the two guide-rods 13. The operation of the modified form is the same as the other.

The invention is not limited to any particular means on which the indicating-numerals are to be placed nor to any particular means for mounting the covers so as to be slidable over the numerals.

It is not desired to limit the invention to indicating-numerals, as letters or other indicia may be employed.

What is claimed to be the invention, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is-

l. A horizontal row of indicating-numerals or the like, a number of covers for the numerals in said row, each cover adapted to cover one numeral, and means for mounting the covers over the numerals so each cover may slide over a number of numerals in said row.

2. A horizontal strip containing arow of indicating-numerals or the like, and a number of covers for the numerals, each cover slidable thereon over a number of said numerals and each cover adapted to cover one numeral or the like.

3. The combination with a box, of ahorizon- 9o tal strip secured at each end with the middle portion free and with indicating-numerals or the like on said middle portion, and a number of covers mounted on such strip so each cover may be slipped over a number of said numerals and each cover adapted to cover one numeral.

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in the'presence of the witnesses herein named.

EDWARD K. ZARING.

Witnesses:

FLORENCE E. BRYANT, V. H. LooKWooD. 

